Business Licensing

Your licence is on the line.
The response has to be practical.

A licence refused, suspended, revoked, or made subject to conditions can affect a business fast. Most decisions can be challenged — but the window to act is short and the response needs to be built on documents, evidence, and a realistic compliance plan.

Licence decision reviewed before your appeal window closes
Compliance plan built from your documents and evidence
Administrative penalties and by-law charges defended
Representation at licensing hearings and tribunals

What happened to your licence?

Municipal licensing decisions can take several forms. The most common situations we deal with:

Refusal of a new licence application
Suspension of an existing licence
Revocation
Conditions attached to a licence — restrictions, requirements, or mandatory inspections
Administrative Monetary Penalties for by-law violations
Provincial Offences Act charges for by-law breaches

In most cases there is a formal appeal process, but the deadline applies and the appeal needs to be built on more than just disagreement with the decision.

How we can help

Review the licensing decision and identify grounds for appeal
Prepare a compliance plan showing what has changed or can change
Assemble the documentary record
Represent you at the Municipal Licensing Committee, AMPS review, or POA court
Advise on conditions and how to respond to attached restrictions
Draft compliance agreements and corrective disclosure documents

How the process works

Appeals usually go to a municipal licensing tribunal or appeals committee. In Toronto, many licensing matters go through the Licence Appeal Tribunal or the Toronto Licensing Tribunal depending on the licence type. Administrative penalties have their own screening and hearing officer process. By-law charges under the Provincial Offences Act are heard in the Ontario Court of Justice.

ForumWhat it handles
Municipal Licensing Appeal CommitteeLicence refusal, suspension, revocation, or conditions
Screening OfficerFirst-stage administrative penalty review
Hearing OfficerSecond-stage administrative penalty review
Ontario Court of JusticeProvincial Offences Act by-law charges
Divisional CourtJudicial review in appropriate cases

The first 15 minutes are free

No obligation. Just a straight answer on where you stand and what your options are.